Symptoms of a Stroke and Strategies to Lower Your Chance of Occurrence
In the event of a stroke, quick identification and immediate medical attention are crucial for saving lives and reducing potential damage. The F.A.S.T acronym serves as a simple and reliable tool for identifying the most common signs of a stroke.
Face drooping is one of the indicators of a stroke. If one side of the face appears droopy or numb, or if the person's smile is uneven or lopsided when asked to smile or show their teeth, it could be a sign of a stroke.
Arm weakness is another symptom to watch out for. If a person is asked to raise both arms straight out, and one arm drifts downward or is weak or numb, this could be a sign of a stroke. The person may not be able to hold both arms up evenly.
Speech difficulty is also a common sign of a stroke. The person's speech may be slurred, strange, or they may be unable to speak or hard to understand. Asking the person to repeat a simple sentence may reveal difficulty or incorrect repetition.
The "T" in F.A.S.T stands for calling emergency services immediately if any of these signs are observed. In Australia, this would mean calling Triple Zero (000).
Up to 80% of strokes can be prevented by managing key risk factors. Maintaining a healthy weight, regularly monitoring health markers, and speaking with a doctor if something feels off are crucial in preventing strokes. Smoking, excess alcohol intake, and a diet high in salt, saturated fat, red meat, and added sugar, and low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, and potassium can increase the risk of stroke.
Regular health checks with your GP to assess blood pressure, cholesterol, diabetes risk factors, and heart rhythm are essential. Regular physical activity can help control weight, blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels.
It's important to note that a stroke is always a medical emergency. If you suspect a stroke, remember the acronym F.A.S.T and call emergency services immediately. Recognising these symptoms quickly can save lives and reduce permanent damage.
[1] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2021). Stroke. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/health-topics/stroke [2] Stroke Foundation Australia. (2021). Stroke symptoms. Retrieved from https://www.strokefoundation.org.au/about-stroke/symptoms [3] American Heart Association. (2021). Act F.A.S.T. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/stroke/warning-signs-of-stroke [4] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Slurred speech. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/slurred-speech/basics/definition/sym-20050611 [5] American Speech-Language-Hearing Association. (2021). Understanding Aphasia. Retrieved from https://www.asha.org/public/speech/disorders/Aphasia/
- In addition to proper identification, managing key risk factors like maintaining a healthy weight can significantly reduce the risk of strokes.
- Regular medical check-ups with your doctor, including assessment of blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes risk factors, are essential for preventing strokes.
- Excessive smoking, alcohol intake, and unhealthy diet rich in saturated fat, red meat, and added sugar, while low in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, fiber, and potassium, can increase the risk of chronic diseases like strokes.
- Science and medical research have established that regular exercise and fitness regimens contribute to cardiovascular health, thus offering preventive measures against chronic diseases such as stroke.
- Mental health is also a crucial factor in overall health and wellness. Chronic stress and anxiety can indirectly affect physical health, including cardiovascular health and even the risk of strokes.
- Personal finance and planning should include budgeting for health expenses, as timely medical attention and management of health conditions are essential for preventing and managing chronic diseases like stroke.
- Beyond stroke prevention, holistic health care focuses on fostering mental health, good nutrition, and fitness and exercise to promote overall wellness and reduce the risk of chronic diseases.
